Today's Holiday:

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is a global celebration that acknowledges the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or nationality. This special day is dedicated to promoting and protecting human dignity, justice, and equality for all people around the world. It's a time for people to come together, raise awareness about human rights issues, and advocate for the protection of these rights. Traditionally, people observe Human Rights Day by organizing rallies, marches, and campaigns to raise awareness about specific human rights concerns, such as freedom of speech, education, and fair treatment. Overall, Human Rights Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting and upholding the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.

Learn more about Human Rights Day
Other Holidays Today:

Nobel Prize Day

Nobel Prize Day, December 10, 2024: Honoring Nobel laureates' groundbreaking contributions and promoting international cooperation and understanding. more >>

National Lager Day

National Lager Day on 12/10/2024: Discover the rich history and cultural significance of lager, from classic pilsners to modern craft brews. more >>

International Animal Rights Day

International Animal Rights Day, December 10, 2024: Learn how to make a difference and promote animal welfare. more >>

Dewey Decimal System Day

Discover the truth about Dewey Decimal System Day, a non-existent holiday, and learn about the classification system that's still widely used today, on December 10, 2024. more >>

Festival for the Souls of Dead Whales

Festival for the Souls of Dead Whales, December 10, 2024: Uncover the mystery of this obscure holiday, or discover a new one. more >>

Wyoming Day

Wyoming Day, December 10, 2024: Discover the Equality State's rich history, natural beauty, and independent spirit through outdoor activities, cultural events, and historical reenactments. more >>
Today's Birthdays:

Kenneth Branagh

64 Years Old

Acclaimed actor, director, producer, and screenwriter renowned for bringing Shakespearean classics to life on screen and stage, earning numerous awards and nominations.

Joe Burrow

28 Years Old

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback leading the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl, known for his athleticism and clutch performances.

Michael Clarke Duncan

Died in 2012, aged 54

A towering figure in Hollywood, known for his deep voice and intimidating presence, starring in films like "The Green Mile" and earning an Academy Award nomination.

Bobby Flay

60 Years Old

Celebrity chef and restaurateur, known for bold Southwestern flavors and grilling expertise, starring in popular Food Network shows like "Iron Chef America" and "Beat Bobby Flay".

Raven-Symoné

39 Years Old

An American actress, singer, and dancer who rose to fame as a child star in the Disney Channel series "That's So Raven" and later became a co-host on the daytime talk show "The Vie...

Ada Lovelace

Died in 1852, aged 36

Pioneering mathematician and computer scientist who wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine, and is often considered the first computer programmer. Her work...

Melvil Dewey

Died in 1931, aged 80

Creator of the Dewey Decimal System, a widely used method for organizing books and other materials in libraries, making it easier for people to find what they need. This system has...

Emily Dickinson

Died in 1886, aged 55

A reclusive poet who crafted innovative, enigmatic, and emotionally charged verse that continues to captivate readers with its unique style and profound insights.

Rob Blake

55 Years Old

A dominant defenseman and captain of the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche, known for his rugged play and leadership on the ice. He's now an NHL executive, serving as the LA K...

Meg White

50 Years Old

The drummer and co-founder of the White Stripes, known for primitive, energetic drumming style and iconic songs like "Seven Nation Army" and "Fell in Love with a Girl".

Susan Dey

72 Years Old

An American actress who starred in the popular 1970s TV series "The Partridge Family" and later won an Emmy for her role in the TV series "L.A. Law". She is known for her iconic ro...

Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi

Died in 1851, aged 46

A pioneer in number theory and elliptic functions, he discovered the Jacobi symbol and developed the theory of elliptic functions, significantly advancing mathematics.

Events from History Today:
76 years ago
United Nations adopts Universal Declaration of Human Rights (New York City, New York, 10017, USA) 1948
The world took a monumental step towards a more just and equitable future on this day. In a historic moment, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that enshrines the fundamental rights and freedoms of all human beings. The declaration, drafted by a committee chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, outlines 30 articles that recognize the inherent dignity and equal rights of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, language, or national origin. This groundbreaking document has since become a cornerstone of international human rights law, inspiring countless struggles for justice and equality.
126 years ago
The Treaty of Paris terminates the Spanish-American War (Paris, France) 1898
Spain's hold on its last colonies was slowly unraveling, and on December 10, 1898, the Treaty of Paris marked the official end of the Spanish-American War. The ink had hardly dried on the document when Spain ceded administration of Cuba to the United States, gaining $20 million in the process for relinquishing control of the Philippines. This pivotal moment marked the emergence of the United States as a global power, while Spain's colonial empire crumbled. The treaty's impact would be felt for decades to come, reshaping the global landscape.
28 years ago
Nelson Mandela promulgates new South Africa Constitution (Pretoria, South Africa) 1996
Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa, marked a historic milestone by introducing the country's new Constitution, marking a significant step towards a democratic and inclusive nation. This document, a symbol of the country's transition from apartheid to democracy, aimed to promote unity, equality, and human rights, ultimately shaping the future of South Africa.
163 years ago
Kentucky declares secession, joins Confederacy amid American turmoil (Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA) 1861
Rival factions in Kentucky's government sparked chaos when a subgroup, sympathetic to the Confederate cause, boldly declared the state the 13th member of the Confederacy. Unionists, caught off guard, scrambled to maintain control. This power play, orchestrated by Governor Humphrey Marshall, threatened to tip the delicate balance of power in the border state. As the American Civil War raged on, Kentucky's allegiance hung in the balance, with both the Union and Confederacy vying for its loyalty.
82 years ago
Government of Poland in exile exposes Holocaust to the world (London, United Kingdom) 1942
Raczyński's Note, a courageous cry for help, pierced through the darkness of WWII as the Government of Poland in exile, led by President Władysław Raczyński, sent a chilling report to 26 governments, shedding light on the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime against the Jewish population. This groundbreaking document, the first of its kind, revealed the shocking truth about the systematic extermination of Jews, Gypsies, and other minority groups, urging the international community to take action against the horrors unfolding in occupied Poland.
118 years ago
Theodore Roosevelt wins Nobel Peace Prize (Oslo, Norway) 1906
The "Rough Rider" President Theodore Roosevelt rode into the history books as the first American to win a Nobel Prize in any field! This trailblazing achievement came on the heels of his successful mediation of the Russo-Japanese War, a conflict that had been raging since 1904. Roosevelt's diplomatic prowess and "speak softly and carry a big stick" approach paved the way for a peaceful resolution, earning him the esteemed Nobel Peace Prize in 1906.
Notable deaths on this date:
2005Richard Pryor Renowned American comedian, actor, and producer
2021Michael Nesmith Monkees musician, songwriter, and pop icon
1967Otis Redding Soulful singer-songwriter and producer who brought rhythm to the masses
2020Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr. Actor, wrestler, and tough guy extraordinaire
1896Alfred Nobel Swedish inventor and engineer who developed dynamite and founded the Nobel Prizes
2020Barbara Windsor English actress and beloved character player
2006Augusto Pinochet Chilean military leader and dictator
1987Jascha Heifetz Maestro violinist who harmonized music
1990Armand Hammer Visionary entrepreneur and founder of Occidental Petroleum
1977Adolph Rupp Respected basketball coach who led teams to victory
1946Damon Runyon Talented American writer who captivated readers with his stories
2020Carol Sutton American actress and scene stealer
1978Ed Wood Visionary filmmaker who brought dreams to life
2019Philip McKeon Child actor and nostalgic television friend
2005Eugene McCarthy Influential American poet, academic, and politician
2014Judy Baar Topinka Inspirational American journalist and politician who served as Illinois Comptroller
1996Faron Young Versatile singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor
1995Darren Robinson Pioneering American rapper and hip-hop artist
2015Dolph Schayes Legendary basketball player and stylistic innovator
1928Charles Rennie Mackintosh Scottish architect and artist who designed the Glasgow School of Art